February 21, 2007 - Repsol Polímeros, Lda., an affiliate of Repsol YPF, has selected Basell’s Spherizone technology for a new 300 KT per year polypropylene plant it plans to build in Sines, Portugal. Start-up is expected in 2010.

“Our relationship with Repsol dates back to the early 1960's,” said Just Jansz, president of Basell’s Technology Business, “and we are very pleased to advance the long-lasting association through this Spherizone process licence agreement.” He added, “The novel product range available from the Spherizone process technology enables production of a highly innovative product portfolio, enhancing performance in existing applications while creating opportunities for polypropylene to expand into new end uses. This latest generation polypropylene technology enables producers to expand their business and capture additional value through product differentiation."

The Spherizone process, which has been licensed by Basell since 2004, has now been selected for ten polypropylene projects in all major polyolefin markets; these licenses represent nearly 3 million tons of capacity.

Basell’s portfolio of licensed technologies and associated technical services is comprised of:

.Spheripol - leading polypropylene technology for the production of homopolymer, random and heterophasic copolymers

.Spherizone – latest generation polypropylene technology based on new multi-zone circulating reactor technology

.Spherilene – advanced swing gas phase process for the production of LLDPE, MDPE and HDPE

·Hostalen – leading low-pressure slurry process for the production of bimodal HDPE

.Lupotech T – leading high-pressure tubular reactor process for the production of LDPE and EVA copolymers

.Metocene PP – technology for the production of specialty polypropylene products using single-site catalyst systems

Basell is the global leader in polyolefin technology, production and marketing. It is the largest producer of polypropylene and advanced polyolefin products, a leading supplier of polyethylene and catalysts, and a global leader in the development, licensing and associated technical services of polypropylene and polyethylene technologies. Basell, together with its joint ventures, has manufacturing facilities around the world and sells products in more than 120 countries. Additional information about Basell is available at www.basell.com.

For more information contact Waldemar Oldenburger, Basell Corporate and eBusiness Communications, at +49 69 305 854 59 or waldemar.oldenburger@basell.com